A Healthy Home
Featured in the Ottawa Citizen (Oct 31, 2020) Saturday edition
A Healthy Home
Featured in the Ottawa Citizen (Oct 31, 2020) Saturday edition
Is it Time to Upgrade your Kitchen or Bathroom?
Where to begin a kitchen or bathroom renovation in 5 simple steps
Kitchens
1. When planning a kitchen renovation and new appliances are part of the plan, select ALL your appliances first. Refrigerators, ranges, cooktop/wall ovens, microwaves, wine fridge, warming drawers, steam ovens etc, impact the design significantly.
2. What type of kitchen do you need? Let me explain: do you bake a lot, cook from scratch, entertain regularily (pre-covid), have multiple cooks, have small children,and so on , these factor influence the needs of your kitchen and should include design features to fit the required functions. Some of these elements may also be an influence for certain styles and finishes.
3. Shopping habits. How often, and sizes of the groceries you purchase on a regular basis, require storage solutions.
4. Storage for countertop appliances. Do you like to keep your countertops clear? How many appliances do you have? Toaster, coffee pot, kettle, bread machine, rice cooker, blender etc, the average household has 8 countertop appliances.
5. Budget. Whether this is a solid number or a guideline no one has unlimited funds to play with. Know how much you want to spend and then add 10% for homes built from 1980 forward and up to 25% for homes built prior to 1970 for potential unforeseen.
I you would like more guidance book a consultation, and/or pick up a copy of my Kitchens In Detail book.
Renovations can seem overwhelming with so many things to consider, my e-books cover all these details and whether you want to work with a design or not they can answer many questions.
Bathrooms
1. Are you changing the footprint or size of the room? Moving fixtures around does add cost and time
2. The age of your home may signify plumbing updates that will be required. Homes built prior to 1970 may have materials not up to today's building code.
3. Choose your fixtures, whether you are going with a freestanding tub, custom shower, personal hygiene toilet, double sink vanity etc, these primary elements influence your bathroom design and materials needed to make your space last for years to come.
4. Finishes. Endless options of tile, shapes, sizes, textures and colours and material. Consider looking at some inspirational photos to find what you like and don't like to guide you through this process.
5. Budget. Bathrooms typically come in higher than expected. For a small space there is a lot of labour and skills needed. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, skilled trades are all needed in this small space.
Although just a small sample of the planning process this should give you a place to start when considering a major renovation.
Please feel free to use our contact form if you have further questions.
Happy Renovating!
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